Yasar grunts, retaliating with a sweeping kick that knocks a chair over. They circle each other—measured, deliberate, furious but focused. Their movements are fluid, powerful, almost frighteningly in sync, like two predators trained on each other since birth.
Kaan lands a punch to Yasar's jaw. Yasar counters with a knee to Kaan's stomach. Kaan slams Yasar against the wall. Yasar shoves him off and tackles him toward the table.
Candles flicker. Wine spills. The entire room vibrates with the impact of their blows.
Then—
"ENOUGH!"
Elçin bursts in like a lightning strike, wedging herself between them with both palms out.
Both men halt—breathing hard, eyes burning.
And then, as if she's been waiting for this moment, Elçin turns and delivers a brutal right hook straight to Yasar's face.
He staggers back, surprised.
"That's for knocking me out," she snaps, "when you wanted to talk to Neslihan. Touch me again without warning, and you will regret it."
Yasar wipes the blood from the corner of his mouth and smiles—slow and wicked.
"Having your hands on me in any form," he murmurs, "is welcomed."
Elçin goes for him again.
He laughs, delighted but sidesteps her next blow.
Elçin goes for Yasar again, but before her fist can connect, the door bursts open and Emir strides in.
Everyone freezes. Emir's usually calm demeanor is gone, replaced by a tense urgency that immediately sets me on edge. His gaze darts from Elçin to Yasar, then Kaan, before finally settling on Kaan with grim intent.
"We need you," he says without preamble. "Now."
Kaan straightens, all traces of languid amusement vanishing. For Emir to seek him out directly, interrupting whatever this is... it must be dire.
"What's happened?" Kaan demands, already moving towards Emir.
"An attack on the southern border. Raiders wearing Shadow Realm colors." Emir's jaw tightens. "They have hostages."
Kaan swears viciously under his breath. He turns to me, apology and frustration warring in his eyes. "Neslihan, I?—"
"Go," I urge, even as my heart clenches. "They need you."
He nods curtly, then surprises me by cupping my face and pressing a hard, swift kiss to my lips. "We will definitely do this again," he murmurs, a fierce promise. Then he turns to Yasar, eyes hardening. "Make yourself useful and come with me."
Yasar arches a brow, but for once doesn't argue. He sketches a mocking bow. "As my cousin dearest, commands."
Kaan looks like he dearly wants to punch him again, but settles for a warning glare before turning on his heel and striding out, Yasar and Emir close behind.
And just like that, they're gone, the room echoing with sudden silence. Elçin and I exchange a long, weighted look, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"Well," she says at last, her voice grim. "Sounds like dinner went well."
CHAPTER 16
THE EASTERN UPRISING
KAAN
